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NC House OKs abortion legislation

Spectators observe from the gallery of the House chamber during a floor debate at the General Assembly in Raleigh, N.C., Thursday, July 11, 2013. The House debated on the latest version of legislation addressing abortion rules in North Carolina that also seeks to satisfy concerns of Gov. Pat McCrory. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Republican lawmakers are pushing ahead with their demand for new rules at North Carolina's abortion clinics.

The House voted 74-41 to approve the bill after a highly-charged, three-hour debate. Republicans say the new rules will make the procedure safer for women.

Opponents argue it is a blatant attempt to shut down clinics and curb a woman's right to choose.

The bill was tweaked after Republican Gov. Pat McCrory threatened to veto a separate bill approved quickly by the Senate last week. The governor said he was worried it would result in restricting a woman's access to an abortion.

It's not clear what he thinks about the new bill, which still must be approved by the GOP-controlled Senate before it would head to his desk.

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